A new campaign has been launched in Scunthorpe to encourage more people to use cycle helmets in Scunthorpe and across the region.

Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership says while people talk about the visibility of cycle users they very rarely address the issue of wearing cycle helmets.

A new campaign has been launched in Scunthorpe to encourage more people to use cycle helmets in Scunthorpe and across the region.

Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership says while people talk about the visibility of cycle users they very rarely address the issue of wearing cycle helmets.Officials at the group say that many of those who wear cycle helmets do so because they have had a near miss. Many are not so lucky and either die or suffer significant brain or head injury.

Around 19,000 people are admitted to hospital every year as a result of cycling collisions and almost one quarter of cyclists killed or injured are children.

A spokesman for the group said: “Head injuries, ranging from fatal skull fractures and brain damage to minor concussion and cuts, are very common injuries to cyclists.

“Hospital data shows that over 40 per cent of cyclists, and 45 per cent of child cyclists, suffer head injuries and over 80 per cent of those killed in collisions on rural roads.

“Canada introduced a compulsory helmet law for children in 1995, bicycle related fatalities in that group fell by 55 per cent.

“We have written to schools and academy head teachers/governors to adopt a policy where all users of cycles to school must wear a safety helmet, including teachers and support staff. Headway (a brain injury charity) & Halfords (in Lincolnshire) are supporting the campaign.

If you are a cyclist who has been involved in an accident in the last 3 years you could be entitled to cycling accident compensation. Call us today for a free no-obligation assessment of your case on 01625 506 655.